Artwork
Cherries: a group of young women in a landscape
Cherries: a group of young women in a landscape is an oil painting by the Barbizon school artist Barthélemy Menn. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting, titled 'Cherries: a group of young women in a landscape', is a work by Swiss artist Barthélémy Menn, created during the 1840s or 1850s. It depicts a serene scene of young women at rest in a natural setting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a group of women relaxing in a field, exemplifying the idyllic outdoor scenes characteristic of Menn's work from this period. The tranquil atmosphere suggests a shift away from grand historical subjects towards more intimate, naturalistic representations.
Technique & Style
Menn's style in this work reflects a transition towards a freer, more naturalistic approach, influenced by the Barbizon School and artists like Corot. The painting's softer, more relaxed quality distinguishes it from Menn's earlier, more formal historical scenes.
History & Provenance
Barthélémy Menn was trained by notable artists, including Ingres, and later taught several generations of painters. This painting represents a period in his career when he moved away from history painting and towards more naturalistic, outdoor scenes.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Barthélemy Menn (20 May 1815 – 10 October 1893) was a Swiss painter and draughtsman who introduced the principles of plein-air painting and the paysage intime into Swiss art.
